Essex police have issued a warning to drivers who use fake or stolen number plates as a possible way of avoiding paying car insurance that they could be fined or sent to jail.

The warning was issued after an increase in the number of number plate thefts in the Basildon and Thurrock districts.

Detective chief inspector Liam Osborne believes that some people may be trying to avoid cameras but warned those that engaged in the practice face serious repercussions.

"If drivers are using these plates to commit other offences or avoid paying car insurance, road tax or congestion charges they are running the risk of severe penalties. These criminals should be aware that we will seek to prosecute on all occasions," he said.

Other possibilities inspector Osborne suggested included driving away from petrol stations without paying and trying to evade the London congestion charge.

The announcement comes after thieves in Manchester got away with a watch worth £91,000, as well as other goods, in a van with false licence plates.

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